The section on the cause of death on the death certificate is identical worldwide. It has two parts - called Part I and Part II, and a section to record the time interval between the onset of each condition and the date of death. 
Part I - is used for diseases or conditions that form part of the sequence of events leading directly to death. 
Part II - is used for conditions which have no direct connection with the events leading to death but whose presence contributed to death.

This document highlights the importance of birth registration in Africa and presents the status of birth registration, what is currently being done and recommendations for improvement.

The New South Wales Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages (“the Registry”) is reviewing the content of birth certificates in Australia. This review is being undertaken for the following reasons: To examine changes in how birth certificates are used; in consideration of how birth certificates can best reflect the changing composition of families in Australia; and in response to recommendations of the Senate Community Affairs Committee inquiry into the Commonwealth’s role in former adoption policies and practices.

The objective of this study is to synthesise the findings from a large number of studies that have used medical record reviews to validate the COD reported on the death certificate or through the vital registration system. Based on an analysis of a core set of these studies, we developed a methodological framework for medical record reviews for countries to follow for routinely validating their CODs.

This is a draft copy of the CRVS assessment tool in Africa.

This working paper provides practical information on the preparation and use of a business case in support of a civil registration system. The paper outlines a six-step approach to building the business case and comprises – assessing the current system; conducting research and formulating the arguments; identifying, analysing and engaging with stakeholders; and, presenting the case to the relevant decision-makers. The paper describes ideas for mobilising support for implementing civil registration systems. It includes a cost–benefit analysis to help decision-makers understand the short-term and long-term costs, benefits and impacts of a registration system.

In this series of articles, the role of universal civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems is examined as an essential tool for good governance and inclusive development.  In the first article in the series, the case is made for investing in CRVS systems; the current situation in countries in the region is described, and the emergence and development of regional collaboration on CRVS is summarized.  In the second article, the actions taken in specific countries to strengthen their CRVS systems are highlighted, and the lessons learned are described, with several innovative approaches being showcased. The third article contains a description of the relationships between CRVS systems (civil registration and population databases in particular), legal identity, the realization of human rights and access to basic social protection, using country examples from the Asia-Pacific region for these purposes.  In the fourth and final article, the importance of building a sound evidence base for efforts to improve CRVS is highlighted, and a framework for prioritizing research activities is proposed.